Happy New Year in March?

Norouz which means “a new day” is the most important holiday in Iran. Each year depending on the astronomical vernal equinox, (this usually occurs on March 21) Persians all around the world celebrate the New year. In the west we consider this day as the first day of spring. This beautiful occasion is also celebrated in many other countries because of the great influence of the Persian empire.

Instead of a Christmas tree we have what we call “haft seen”. This is a table that families gather around waiting for the exact moment spring “arrives”. The “haft seen table” consists of seven specific items starting with the letter “s” in farsi (the Persian language). Every item on the “haft seen” has a special symbolic meaning.

So here are the items:

• Serkeh – vinegar – symbolizes age and patience

• Sib – apples – symbolizes beauty and health

• Sabzeh – wheat sprouts growing in a dish – symbolizes rebirth

• Sekkeh – coins – represents wealth

• Senjed – dried fruit of oleaster trees – symbolizes love

• Sir – garlic – symbolizes medicine

Norouz always reminds me of my childhood. I remember really looking forward to it each year. But mostly because all my friends already had gotten their presents for Christmas three months earlier, and finally it was my turn. I remember that it was difficult for me, after Christmas break everybody was showing what they had gotten for Christmas, except me...

My mum is in some ways a very traditional Persian, so when I was younger she didn't want us to celebrate Christmas. Maybe you can understand my agony? being a kid, and walking around seeing all the beautiful decorations. But not being able to join in the party... After years of nagging and complaining, my mother finally caved. Oh joy, happy days, i could join the party!

The thing is that being able to celebrate Christmas, made me feel more normal. Instead of always being different. Made me feel more like my friends. Not having to explain to other 10 year old's why i don't get my present until the end of March, is probably the best present my mum ever gave me.

Over and out people!

The stereotypical Norwegian couple!

A few nights ago we went out, and a friend of mine needed a picture of a "typical Norwegian couple". He asked two of my friends, who even I could say fit the stereo typical assumption of Norwegians. They are blue eyed blondes, and both of them are tall.

I got somewhat affended, and I had to ask him, hey what about me and my boyfriend, he said come on you know what I mean... I'm sorry I don't, cause what makes my two blonde friends more norwegian then us? Then me? My boyfriend is a full-bloded Norwegian by the way, but he's not blonde.

I've even lived longer in Norway then one of my friends mentioned in this piece, so why doesn't that make me more Norwegian then her? My conclusion is appereance, and mistunderstandings. Because I believe that being of any nationality has absolutely nothing to do with the way you look, and everything to do with your understanding of your self, the culture and the language of the country you live in.

So my dear German friend i highly disagree with you, I too can be "a part" of a stereotypical Norwegian couple

Over and out for this time.

Fake American accent

So since I've been in Dublin I've gotten a lot of remarks from the Irish if I'm from the Americas. Well I've watched a lot of American movies,and embraced the culture as everybody else. But sorry my dear Irish people this ones not Americano.

I find this somewhat amusing and confusing. I as so many others my age am trying to, find some sort of understanding of life, and even more important my self. Who am I, where do i belong are questions rambling in my head half the time. So peoples constant need to question my identity is disturbing my search of these questions.

I can understand that many might think that this shouldn't even be an issue, so why do I even bother? Cause I have yet to find my "true identity", and as time passes my list of being misunderstood is growing. But I'll get there one day soon I hope.

So over and out for this time!

So hello to you!

I've been in Dublin for over a month now, and I've met a lot of people. From different countries, and we've been talking a lot about misconception. A friend of mine is actually making a documentary about it for one of our classes over here.

But what I want to talk about is how I get misconcepted or misunderstood. Let me tell you the whole story. I was born in Tehran/Iran, we left the country when I was five years old and moved to Norway, and I've lived there ever since. But I've never felt at home, I don't think it's because of the people.

Human beings are curious by nature, and they want to learn more about you, but sometimes i just wish I could be anonymous. Blend in, be like everybody else... and that I didn't have to answer questions like, "where are you from?", and you give the answer but they are never pleased. Through my entire "Norwegian-life" I've only met one person who never asked me my country of origin. He just accepted me for my personality, and not my appereance.

So here we go, first posting. There's going to be many more.
Over and out for this time!